About Seoul, Republic of Korea

to:Seoul is the capital and largest metropolis of the Republic of Korea.Situated on the Han River, Seoul’s history stretches back more than two thousand years when it was founded in 18 BCE by Baekje, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. It continued as the capital of Korea under the Joseon Dynasty. The Seoul Capital Area contains five UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Changdeok Palace, Hwaseong Fortress, Jongmyo Shrine, Namhansanseong and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty.

Seoul is surrounded by mountains, the tallest being Mt. Bukhan, the world’s most visited national park per square foot. Modern landmarks include the iconic N Seoul Tower, the gold-clad 63 Building, the neofuturistic Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Lotte World, the world’s second largest indoor theme park, Moonlight Rainbow Fountain, the world’s longest bridge fountain and the Sevit Floating Islands.

Today, Seoul is considered a leading and rising global city, resulting from an economic boom called the Miracle on the Han River which transformed it from the damage of the Korean War to the world’s 4th largest metropolitan economy with a GDP of US$774 billion in 2012 after Tokyo, New York City and Los Angeles.

 

Culture

Driven by the latest cutting-edge technologies and trends, Seoul is one of the most fast-paced high-tech cities in the world. As progressive as Koreans are, many still retain traditional and Confucian values. Korean culture and customs are deeply rooted in family values and, respect and obedience towards seniors, including parents, teachers, older siblings, senior co-workers and generally anyone of older age.

 

Tipping

Tipping is not necessary in Seoul, although a compulsory 10% service charge is added to the bill at some midrange and all top-end hotels and restaurants.

 

Climate

Seoul enjoys warm, humid summers (June-August) with highest daily temperatures between 26-32oC (78-90oF) and humidity of between 60% and 80%. Rainfall is at its highest during the summer months with June typically seeing an average of 12 rainy days.

 

Bank and foreign exchange

Usual banking hours are Monday to Friday 9:00-16:00. On weekends almost all banks are closed. Major city branches can exchange foreign currency. Foreign currency exchange bureaus are also available at the airport and at several locations in central Seoul. ATMs are widely available throughout the city.

 

Currency

The Korean won (KRW) is the official currency of the Republic of Korea. Bills are available in denominations of 1,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 50,000. Coins are in denominations of 10, 50, 100 and 500. Note that buses and vending machines may only accept coins and 1000 won bills.

 

Electricity

The standard voltage in Korea is 220 volts. The connection for appliances is a “Type C” CEE 7/16.

 Electricity

 

Safety

Seoul has earned a reputation as a city with a high level of safety, security and sanitation. Seoul operates the Seoul Global Center to provide various services to visitors, a Medical Referral Service for foreigners, and the Call Centre providing services in multiple languages to minimise inconvenience to foreigners. Most services and facilities are available 24 hours.

  • Seoul Global Center: +82-2-2075-4130, http://global.seoul.go.kr
  • Emergency Medical Information Center: (02) 1339
  • Dasan Call Center: (02) 120.

 

Insurance and liability

A travel insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems is recommended. Neither the ICN nor MCI will be held liable for illness, accidents or thefts suffered by participants or accompanying persons during the Conference or their stay in Korea before, during or after the Conference. Participants are strongly recommended to seek insurance coverage for health and accident, lost luggage and trip cancellation.

 

Conference venue

CoEx Convention & Exhibition Center

159 Samseongdong, Gangnam-gu

Seoul 135-731 Korea

www.coex.co.kr

Coex map

The CoEx Convention & Exhibition Center is conveniently located in the heart of Gangnam, Seoul’s business district. CoEx’s meetings facilities consist of four main exhibition halls and 54 dividable meeting rooms. On-site facilities include three 5-star hotels, Asia’s largest shopping mall, three multinational office skyscrapers, two top theaters, and the city’s only airport terminal.

 

Accessibility

CoEx is fully equipped to cater for persons of reduced mobility.  All floors are accessible via elevator.  The entrances are accessible via ramps and there are wheelchair accessible toilets throughout the facility.

 

Badges

All participants, official guests and accompanying persons are obliged to wear their name badge during all events. Admission to the sessions is restricted to registered participants wearing their name badge. Accompanying persons and exhibitors are not entitled to attend the sessions. Please note hat there will be a 80 euro charge to replace lost badges. Delegates can be recognized by the colored stripe on their badge:

 

Emergency

In case of emergencies during the Conference, please contact the staff at the registration desk. In case of emergencies in the hotel, please contact your hotel reception for first aid service.

Police: 112

Fire: 119

Medical emergencies: 133

 

Messages

A message board is placed in the registration area of the CoEx. Delegates and accompanying persons can exchange personal messages on this board.

 

Mobile phones

As a courtesy to speakers and other delegates, we request that all mobile phones are turned off before entering the sessions.

 

Food and Drink

Food and beverages can be purchased within the convention center and the adjacent CoEx Mall from its various outlets. Sandwiches, salads, hot items, tea/coffee and confectionery are just a sample of the range of items available at competitive rates. The mall features a food court boasting a broad range of food outlets as well as other restaurants, cafes and bars for all occasions.

 

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted in any of the Congress areas.

 

Wi-Fi

There is complimentary Wi-Fi access within the CoEx Convention & Exhibition Center.

 

Shops

Most shops open from 10:30 – 20:00, though many are open until 22:00 and markets like Dongdaemun Market and Namdaemun Market are open 24 hours. In the Republic of Korea, all product prices already include Value Added Tax (10%). International credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard, AMEX and JCB are accepted in most major stores (if affiliated) as well as in hotels, department stores and duty free shops. Shopping in Seoul will lead you first and foremost to Myeong-dong, where you can find mid to low-priced shops selling clothes and accessories; as well as large shopping malls. Namdaemun Market is also only minutes away. Premium brand products at good prices can be found at Apgujeong Rodeo Street

CoEx Mall is the largest underground shopping center in Asia. It is located in the basement of the Korea World Trade Center. The colossal shopping center stretches from Samseong station (subway line 2) in the south all the way to Bongeunsa temple in the north, and is considered to be the best shopping and entertainment complex in the area.

 

Sightseeing & Attractions

Click here for a list of sightseeing trips and attractions around Seoul. 

 

Tours

Half & Full Day Tours Around the Republic of Korea

IADR 2016 Tour Program

Tours outside the Republic of Korea:

3 Nights/4 Days 

Osaka & Koyoto Tour

USD $1,496

More Information

3 Nights/4 Days 

Beijing Tour

USD $1,074

More Information

To reserve your tour (minimum of ten guests will be required for each tour) click here.